Van Persie, who signed for United from Arsenal for £24 million in the summer, opened the scoring at Old Trafford before Patrice Evra made sure of the points in a comfortable win for the home side.

The Dutchman spent eight years with the Gunners and still has great affection for the club.

"I think it speaks for itself. I played there eight years and had a fantastic time there," he told Sky Sports. "I have respect for the fans, the players, the manager and the whole club.

"It was a special day, it was quite a game. I think we played well. We had a few chances, we should have scored two or three more but in the end we're happy with the three points which is all that matters."

Reflecting on the triumph, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was not entirely satisfied with the performance of his team against Arsenal, who had Jack Wilshere sent off in the second half.

"It wasn't a close game," the Scot said. "I think it was a lack of urgency in the game throughout, far too casual. It wasn't a usual Manchester United-Arsenal game. I know there was a lot of bookings."

He did, however, reserve special praise for Van Persie. "It was an ideal start for the Manchester United cause and it was good for Robin [to score the first goal]," Ferguson added. "I thought he was fantastic today. His movement, his penetration was fantastic."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said the fact it was Van Persie on the scoresheet was inconsequential. "We don't care who scores the goals, we want to win the games," the Frenchman said. "That doesn't matter."

After enduring a tricky start to his Manchester United career, perhaps it is fair that Marcos Rojo celebrated so boisterously as he watched his first professional club Estudiantes beat fierce rivals Gimnasia